New appeal for witnesses to catch Wythenshawe sex beast

Police have issued a fresh appeal for witnesses to help find the rapist who attacked a woman in Wythenshawe on Tuesday.

The woman, in her 40s, walked down Staithes Road in Woodhouse Park at around 8pm.

The attack took place near to some garages that are accessed via a ginnel between 56 and 58 Staithes Road.

It is believed the man may have been disturbed by a noise and ran away along Staithes Road, at which point the woman was able to get away from the scene and alert police.

Detective Chief Inspector Joanne Rawlinson said: “Our thoughts are with the woman and we are providing her with specialist support and care whilst we work to find out who is responsible for this attack.

“Forensic work is currently ongoing and we are working hard to find out what happened, however, we are urging any potential witnesses to come forward and speak to us.

“Specifically I am appealing to anyone who may have been walking or driving along Staithes Road between 7.45pm and 8.15pm on Tuesday night to get in touch.

“I am keen to know what they saw, if anything, that night. It may be that you didn’t see the attack itself but may have seen the victim or the attacker and your information could be vital.

“I also believe a car drove into the garage area between numbers 56 and 58 shortly before the incident. While this person is potential a key witness and I want to hear from them, I am also eager for anyone who may have parked their car or driven a vehicle into that area between 7.45pm and 8.15pm to come forward and speak to the police urgently.

“I would like to stress to the community that this attack is no way being linked to any other reported sexual assaults in the area in the last few weeks. We have increased patrols in the area and would urge anyone with concerns to contact police.

“Attacks of this nature are rare in south Manchester but I would re-iterate that people should remain vigilant and contact police if they see anything suspicious.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 5448. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.